BIMCert accreditation

BIMCert

‘modular’ accreditation the way forward

Seven European nations have contributed to, and are now embracing, the roll-out of BIMCert, the new digital construction training platform recently introduced by Belfast Metropolitan College. It was developed in partnership with six other bodies – TU Dublin, CITB NI, Future Analytics, Dublin, IST Portugal, IECE Macedonia and EIHP Croatia.

Speaking at the “BIMcert Digital Skills to Reduce the Energy Footprint in the Built Environment” international conference at the Titanic Centre in Belfast recently, Ms Maja Marija Nahod, Assistant Minister for Construction in Croatia, pointed out that independent initiatives such as BIMcert are essential and that there is a need for common standards to raise awareness of the main terms. BIMcert is a digital technology that can be used to provide information on every aspect of the construction project. Speaking at the Titanic gathering Marie Therese McGivern, Chief Executive, Belfast Metropolitan College, said: “Belfast Metropolitan College is justifiably proud to be the first FE college to lead a H2020 project. We are here to celebrate with all the partners an amazing project delivering certification in building information modelling (BIM) and empowering companies in the construction sector to engage in the digital transformation journey. It requires innovative approaches to training and upskilling people for this new paradigm. BIMcert has illustrated how we can achieve this for all, for the partners, students, business and industry.

“Construction sites across the globe are developing rapidly as firms seek to take advantage of the technologies of tomorrow. However, the construction industry is the lowest ranked economic sector in terms of digital uptake in Europe and more needs to be done. The link between digital skills and the energy performance of buildings is important. On the one hand, the European building sector needs to complete the decarbonisation of building stock if the EU is to meet its climate targets . On the other hand, it needs to make the most of the new digital technologies that are rapidly changing the way buildings are designed and constructed.

“Belfast Met and the BIMcert partners are leading the way in digital transformation that goes beyond educational and learning modules to include blended delivery and digital accreditation, thereby empowering industry and the workforce.”

Gordon Sutherland, EASME, European Commission, reflected on attending the event saying: “BIMcert has been instrumental in developing personally-adaptable training experiences which allow the student to develop a digital CV highlighting newlyacquired skills attained through microaccreditation in a European context. This can be expected to increase the demand for BIM skills, as students will not need to follow a lengthy , standardised journey, but can select the training modules depending on the gaps in their knowledge.”

Paul McCormack, Belfast Met Innovation Manager and BIMcert Programme Manager, concluded: “In order to reach the EU’s energy and climate targets, a qualified building workforce is needed. Improving the skills of middle and senior-level professionals and blue collar workers in the area of sustainable energy-efficient construction is therefore of key importance. This should be done throughout the entire value chain of the buildings sector. Our BIMcert training platform is now ready for use. This is the industry’s opportunity to avail of free BIMcert training. Just log on to https://platform.energybimcert.eu/ Q

Left: Paul McCormack, Belfast Met Innovation Manager and BIMcert Programme Manager with Ms MajaMarija Nahod, Assistant Minister for Construction and Energy Efficiency, Croatia; Martin Lennon, Managing Director, O’Hare & McGovern; Marie Therese McGivern, Chief Executive, Belfast Metropolitan College; Gordon Sutherland, Head of Sector, EASME, European Commission; and Dr James Harty, Copenhagen School of Design and Technology.